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Gifts from Other Members, Officers, or Employees

Members, officers, and employees may accept “[a] gift from another Member, . . . officer, or employee of the House or Senate.” (House Rule XXV, clause 5(a)(3)(F)). However, federal law generally bars government employees from giving gifts to their official superiors. 52 While the Committee has recognized common-sense exceptions for voluntary gifts on special occasions, 53 as a general rule, Members may not accept things of value from their staff members, and higher level staff members may not accept things of value from those who work for them. In addition, a gift may not be accepted under this provision where a Member, officer, or employee is merely passing along a gift from some other person.